Christopher: Ministrial Community Visit to Mountbatten

After weeks of meetings and preparation, the D Day (24th June 2007), finally arrived. There are 4 stations, the Minister from Prime Minister's Office, Mr Lim swee Say will be visiting today.

The First Station is hosted at Civil Plaza at Jalan Batu (inside Tanjong Rhu Housing Estate).

Started the day at 8am, with the flag off of the Walk and Jog Events by Mr Lim Biow Chuan, MP for Marine Parade GRC and Advisor to Marine Parade GRC GROs. Mr Lim joined the group of about 50 participants in the Warm Up exercise and walked with the residents.

The Welcoming Entourage was joined by Dr Fatimah Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC and Adviser for Marine Parade GRC GROs at 8.45am. The team in charge of Ministerial Community Visit to various constituency, led by Minister of State (Health) Mr Heng Chee How, MP for Jalan Besar GRC, Mr Ang Mong Seng, MP for Hong Kah GRC and Mr Sam Tan Chin Siong, MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC were also present to see the MCV run smoothly.

At 8.55am, we saw the arrival of Minister Lim Swee Say. Minister was given a warm welcome by the entourage and the Pipers from the 18th Singapore Company, Northland Secondary School and 5th Singapore Company from Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary Boys' Brigade. Minister Lim, MP Lim Biow Chuan & MP Dr Fatimah Lateef were garlanded by Grassroots leaders, assisted by pairs of couple of different races in different costumes.

Minister and the Entourage were ushered to the fountain area, in the centre of Civic Plaza. Minister together with MP Lim B C, Dr Fatimah, CCC Chairman Mr Lim Nghee Huat and Organising Chairman Mr Chew Siong Hee to officiate the launching of Mountbatten 50th Anniversary Logo.

The Minister and Entourage were welcomed by people dressed as Earl Admiral Mountbatten at the next trail of The Mountbatten Story - 50 Golden Years, before viewing its exhibition.

Minister and Entourage penned birthday wishes to Mountbatten on Birthday Wish Panel. Minister, next viewed the start of Footprint Trailon Bitz and Pieces of Mountbatten.

The Minister was then led to the children's playground, where he witnessed the children colouring contest in progress. He interacted with the children and parents.

He viewed booths showcasing Grassroots Organisation (GRO) courses and activities. There was also a Carnival section, where there were game stalls and other fringe activities stall. Minister stopped to look at the drawing of cartoon portraits by the artist. He also sat down to allow the specialist to do a silhouette cut out of his face and head.

At the end of the trail of Station One, Minister Lim, MP Lim BC and MP Dr Fatimah were each presented with the cartoon portrait of three of them together.